ADB to reconstruct quake-damaged schools

By Raju Lamichhane,Musikot, Nov. 22: New school buildings are set to be constructed this year in Rukum West to replace those destroyed by last year’s earthquake.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will assist in the reconstruction of 12 school buildings. 

According to Diamond Pun, information officer at the education development and coordination unit, the reconstruction process has begun in seven schools in Aathbiskot Municipality, three in Sanibheri Rural Municipality, and two in Musikot Municipality.

Schools selected for reconstruction include Gyanodaya Secondary School in Ward-4 of Aathbiskot Municipality, Suryodaya Secondary School in Ward-6, Balkalyan Secondary School in Ward-9, Janta Secondary School in Ward-10, Nepal Rastriya Secondary School in Ward-11, Janakalyan Secondary School, and Adarsh Secondary School in Ward-14.

In Sanibheri Rural Municipality, Sheetal Secondary School in Ward-1, Bheridobhan Secondary School in Chinabagar, and Sanibheri Secondary School in Balibang of Ward-4 have been selected. In Musikot Municipality, Janakalyan Secondary School in Kanshpokhari of Ward-12 and Mahendra Secondary School in Chautara of Ward-13 will also be reconstructed.

The selection was based on the criteria set by ADB, including the extent of damage and need. 

A team of stakeholders, including ADB representatives, led by Basanta Koirala, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, has conducted on-site inspections of the selected schools.

According to Rabi KC, Mayor of Aathbiskot Municipality, tenders for two school buildings in his area have already been issued, with preparations underway for tenders for the remaining five. 

He stated that the seven schools could be completed within 18 months of beginning the construction.

Rajesh Gautam, acting chief administrative officer of Aathbiskot Municipality, noted that the municipality will handle tasks such as map approval and coordination, while ADB will manage the rest of the process. 

The new buildings will have 12 to 18 classrooms based on requirements, with additional facilities including toilets and fences.

According to the education development and coordination unit, 49 schools in the district were completely destroyed by the Jajarkot earthquake, while 213 sustained partial damage. 

Most schools have set up temporary study centres to continue teaching, while some schools are operating classes in the damaged buildings.